Living Kidney Donation: Norwood's Story

Norwood donated a kidney to his cousin Ronald.

My cousin Ronald, was in need of a kidney, he was a diabetic and was put on a dialysis program. I always considered my good health a blessing and decided to give my kidney to Ron. We did the transplant February 1996. Ronald's life immediately improved with his "new" kidney and he lived well for eight years before he died in 2004.

People have asked me why I gave up a part of me and I respond, all my life I've been given love from others and I felt it was time for me to give something of significant to someone in need. I have signed my driver's license to give my organs to others in case I die and I gladly and happily desire for others to benefit from my donated organs.